1. Make a reservation;
2.
Guarantee your tour with a modest deposit;
3. Pay the balance when arriving in China.

Chongqing City Tour Packages

Ci Qi Kou (Porcelain Village)

Situated on the bank of the
Jia Ling River, not far from its confluence with the
mighty Yangtze is the ancient village of Ci Qi Kou,
formerly known as Long Yin. Covering an area of some 1.2
square kilometrs (291.6 acres) it is 14 kilometrs to the
west of Chongqing Municipality.

Chongqing itself has
undergone many changes over the centuries, changes that
have not been reflected in Ci Qi Kou with the
consequence that the village conveys an impression of
what Chongqing would have been like in the distant past.
This fact has been recognized by the State Council and
in 1998 Ci Qi Kou became a protected cultural site.

The history of Ci Qi Kou can be traced back for more
than 1700 years. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties
(1368-1911) it was famous for its production of
porcelain. To date, over twenty old kiln sites have been
discovered there. It is because of the importance of the
porcelain industry that the name has been changed from
Long Yin to Ci Qi Kou which being translated means
Porcelain Village. However, the village was also an
important supply post for shipping on the river, a fact
that explains why there are so many shops lining the
twelve lanes paved with their large flag stones that
form the main routes. Here you will find many outlets
for craftwork, groceries and the like as well as a
horologist, photography supplies, drugstore and a
tempting supply of roasted nuts and seeds. As one would
expect there are also many teashops and restaurants to
cater for the many visitors who come to see something of
a way of life that has existed here for so many
centuries.

The majority of the houses date from the Ming and Qing
Dynasties, periods during which many masterpieces of
Chinese architecture were created. Much of the two and
three storey construction is of bamboo and timber. Blue
bricks and pillars set off the snow-white walls that
contrast in turn with vermilion doors and lattice
windows. Black tablets and lanterns adorn the gates to
complete the authentic and traditional appearance of the
properties. The quietly flowing waters of the Jia Ling
River pass by the front of the village and have been its
lifeblood for as long as anyone can remember. For it was
the river that brought goods and people here as well as
carrying local products off to customers at home and
abroad.

The three notable attractions of the village are the
tea bars, the artists' studios and the Shu Embroidery
workshops. Surprisingly, there are more than a hundred
tea bars each with their own particular characteristics.
Here friends enjoy a chat or meet to discuss business.
So the tea bars offer the opportunity for you to meet
the locals and also become acquainted with the unique
folk opera.

The ateliers, where you may see the work of the local
artists will be of great interest. It has been said that
the more beautiful a place may be, the more artists it
will attract. You are sure to be amazed by the quality
of the work on show and in progress as the many artists
record the local scenes with skill and dedication. With
so many artists working in Ci Qi Kou, you will be
spoiled for choice when seeking a souvenir of your
visit.

Walking in the ancient Ci Qi Kou village,
Chongqing.Artistic ability of another kind will sure to
please your eye when you visit a Shu Embroidery
workshop. The craft is famous throughout China and the
skill of the women you will observe working in the
village is unsurpassed. It will be difficult to decide
whether to opt for a painting or a piece of embroidery
as a reminder of your visit as the choice on offer is
truly stunning.

Choice is no less a problem when it comes to deciding
where to take a meal at one of the many restaurants.
Local dishes include Mao Xue Wang, Qian Zhang Pi and
JiaoYan Huang Sheng. All come very highly recommended.
You may well ask 'What on earth are they?' It is our
opinion that whichever you try, you will not be
disappointed and will soon come to realise why they are
so popular.

It is often said that a visit to China is a cultural
experience. This is never more true than when you visit
a place such as Ci Qi Kou where you will find the local
residents dedicated to their traditional way of life,
unaffected by modern influences to be found in the
larger towns and cities. Above all, you will find a
friendly welcome awaits you as the people of Ci Qi Kou
share their special way of life with you for the
duration of your visit.